Rose Retreat in Bulgaria and Perfume Workshop

I’m partnering with Silvia Yonkova of Roseoverdose, to teach a rose accords workshop during the Rose Retreat of 2019. 50% of the roses grown for perfumery come from the Rose Valley in Kazanlak, Bulgaria, and Silvia’s family has been in the rose growing business for generations. During the Rose Retreat, you’ll have a chance to participate in the rose harvest and study different types of roses. My one-day workshop will cover some of the most iconic rose perfumes and teach you to create fragrance accords.

The Rose Retreat will take place on May 20th-24th, 2019. You can find more information and book a spot via Roseoverdose.com.

From the website:
“During the Rose Accords Workshop you will have a chance to explore, smell and work with several perfume materials that comprise a rose accord. You will also get to know three different oil-yielding roses – Rosa Damascena, Rosa Centifolia & Rosa Alba and examine the subtleties in their odor profiles.

With the help of Victoria, you will have the chance to study some of the most iconic rose perfumes in their original formulations as well as practice creating your own accords.”

Besides the workshop, rose harvest and other activities during the Rose Retreat, you’ll have a chance to explore the Valley of Thracian Kings and see the ancient Thracian tombs, old churches and other historical places in the region. Bulgaria is more than just roses!

Lorie McMillin: Victoria, I can’t believe it! I’ll be in Sofia July 21-27 as my husband has a conference. So I’ve been reading about the Rose Festival and the Rose Valley! Of course they’ll be done by July. Oh gosh, what to do, what to do?!? I really want to come! Pondering … March 4, 2019 at 8:09pmReply

Muriel: Wow! This sounds fantastic! I won’t be able to join this year as my husband and I just booked a trip to Venice to celebrate our 20th anniversary (May 22nd), but it looks like this is not the first time the Rose Retreat is organised, and therefore maybe not the last??? There’s no way I can forget the date, so I hope I can experience this next year !! March 5, 2019 at 7:35amReply

Lydia: I passionately love rose scents, and a perfume workship with Victoria has been at the very top of my wish list for several years, but I am heartbroken to say it’s impossible while I’m in school.

Someday. Someday.

Looking forward to the future blog post describing the wonders of this workshop. March 7, 2019 at 6:05pmReply

Victoria: Someday! I’m sure there will be other chances and more roses. 🙂 March 8, 2019 at 5:21amReply

OnWingsofSaffron: The Valley of Thracian Kings. Lord, the mind races at that evocative name! Coupled with the photo of that grandios landscape, how I wish I could be there! March 8, 2019 at 2:26amReply

Victoria: Thracian Kings attract me as much as the roses, I have to say. 🙂 March 8, 2019 at 5:21amReply

Aurora: How wonderful to teach a new class in such surroundings. Will you share the experience after the class as you did last time? I will have questions on the queen of flowers. Good luck with your class, Victoria! March 9, 2019 at 4:53amReply

Tourmaline: Hi Aurora,

This is completely off topic, but I have a reponse in relation to your lament, in an earlier post, about Yardley’s Iris having been discontinued.

First of all, I noticed that several bottles are available on eBay, although their quality might not be up to standard.

More importantly though, is a new fragrance that might interest you. I am subscribed to email updates from Yardley, and in their most recent update of 14 March, it was announced that the company had released a trio of new fragrances, under the umbrella name of Flowerful. They are called Decadent Mimosa, Elegant Iris and Luxe Gardenia.

Aurora: Dear Tourmaline: How thoughtful of you to get in touch and to remember I was dismayed by Yardley Iris discontinuation.
Yes, I now have acquired a back up bottle on eBay and feel more secure this way.
New releases: That’s great news, I am intrigued by all three but especially the mimosa. I just wish they added to the collection without retiring one of their best creations. We will be able to exchange thoughts about the new ones.

Many thanks again and best wishes,
Aurora March 19, 2019 at 12:35pmReply

Tourmaline: Dear Aurora,

You are most welcome!

I, too, bought a bottle of Yardley’s Iris on eBay, although I have yet to try it.

It is indeed a shame about the game of musical chairs that many companies must play, in terms of dicontinuing favourites in order to be able to release new products. Thank goodness for eBay!

Yes, it will be great to exchange thoughts on the new Yardley fragrances.

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